In some cases, the very stress of trying to finish a degree as quickly as possible can sometimes be the very thing that gets in the way. It’s important to know what will happen if you need a temporary leave of absence, and it’s perhaps even more important to know that it’s OK to ask for one.
“Taking time away for mental health can be an important step toward long-term well-being and academic success,” says Sarah K. Lipson, PhD, EdM, an Associate Professor at Boston University’s School of Public Health and a Principal Investigator with the . “When institutions approach leave and re-entry with compassion, flexibility, and clear communication, students are much more likely to return and thrive.”
Here’s what to consider about a college’s approach to leave and re-entry.
The Ruderman Family Foundation, a partner of The Princeton Review focused on improving mental health support for students, partnered with Boston University on , which notes that leave may be taken for any of the following reasons:
“Too often, students who take a leave of absence for mental health reasons feel disconnected, stigmatized, or uncertain about how to successfully return,” said Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation. “We commissioned this guide to help students and families better understand what supportive, compassionate leave and re-entry policies can look like.”
Whatever the reason for your leave, the school should be clear about what services remain available while you are away and what expectations there are for re-entry. It should also help you plan for a return. For involuntary leaves (academic and disciplinary), there may be additional requirements to fulfill before coming back.
For medical leaves, Taking a Leave of Absence points out that “students with disabilities, including those related to mental health, have a right under the law to receive reasonable, disability-related accommodations.” Find out what sort of documentation you may need, as well as what the school deems “reasonable,” so that these concerns can be resolved before you return.
According to Mark H. Reed, Interim Medical Director for Health and Wellness at Dartmouth, it is critical that “students continue to feel part of the community and connected to staff who are genuinely invested in their wellbeing.” At Dartmouth, there’s a Time Away office that helps to connect returning students with the most appropriate person on a case-by-case basis. As of 2026, they’re also adding “a new mentorship program where students who have successfully returned from leave provide guidance and connection.”
Dr. Lipson adds that “it’s often most helpful for students to have a single, clearly designated point person…that continuity builds trust and prevents students from having to navigate multiple offices on their own.” Look for one of the following to be involved both before, during, and after the leave:
Whomever your contact is, Taking a Leave of Absence strongly advocates using PACE (People, Academics, Care, Engagement) to make sure you’re getting what you need.
Dr. Lipson explains that “there isn’t a single ‘ideal’ frequency for check-ins, because students’ needs vary widely depending on why they took leave and what supports they have off campus.” That said, contact from the school should be “consistent and personal,” and Dr. Lipson suggests that the check-ins should be “supportive rather than evaluative…so students know someone at the institution is still invested in their wellbeing.”
Look for outreach that is:
As Dr. Sarah K. Lipson notes, it can be especially helpful when schools offer “transparency and flexibility” and “maintain a sense of connection to campus during the leave.”
Because policies vary widely between schools, make a list of the services you currently use and confirm which ones will remain available to you while on leave. In some cases, schools may offer:
For example, Dartmouth has partnered with UWill “to provide free, long-term teletherapy counseling to students” around the world, whether they are enrolled or on leave. The school also lets individuals renew their student health plan and, “for those with significant financial need, Dartmouth will cover the premium.”
These kinds of policies aren’t universal, but schools with similar offerings are signaling a more supportive and student-centered approach.
Returning to school should be straightforward and manageable. Before taking leave, clarify exactly what the re-entry process involves so there are no surprises later.
According to Dr. Lipson, this “usually involves planning ahead across multiple areas,” which will help with your “long-term wellbeing and academic success.”
Questions you might want to ask include:
Reed emphasizes that “the first term back is especially critical,” particularly in a faster-paced academic environment like Dartmouth. Look for schools that recognize this and provide structure rather than expecting students to immediately resume a full load.
You can also create your own checklist or pro/con list to prepare for the transition. At a minimum, look for clarity around:
Be sure that the school isn’t pressuring you to return before you’re ready. Dr. Lipson describes the “bare minimum” as a “campus environment [that] signals that students are welcome back and supported, rather than stigmatized for having taken time away,” and the school should proactively provide “connections to resources and a manageable academic load.”
Finally, ask whether part-time re-enrollment is an option. In some cases, according to Taking a Leave of Absence, “you may be eligible to receive an accommodation that grants full-time student status (access to all benefits and financial aid) while taking a part-time course load.”
Dr. Lipson emphasizes that “the most effective systems recognize that re-entry is a transition period and provide structured support rather than assuming students can immediately resume everything on their own.” Ask what support remains in place after you return.
Strong programs often include:
You should also have a clear point of contact during your first term back—someone you can reach out to if challenges arise.
Your role is to communicate honestly about what you need and to ask for support early. Addressing smaller issues at the outset can make the transition back smoother and more sustainable.
Taking a leave of absence means stepping away from your academic routine, but it doesn’t have to mean abandoning your academic or career goals. However, because every school has their own policies and re-entry requirements, it would serve you well to make sure you’re enrolling at a school that fits your potential needs, and which has clear plans and systems to help you get back on track when you’re ready.
Schools are increasingly realizing the importance of mental health, and are looking for ways to support students. It’s never too early to reach out and ask for information.
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